Easy Clam Dip with Cream Cheese
This clam dip with cream cheese is super easy to fix, and it makes a great dip to serve with crackers, vegetables, or chips.
This creamy clam dip is a classic, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or casual snacking. Made with cream cheese, minced clams, lemon juice, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce, it’s rich yet bright and full of flavor.
It takes just 10 minutes to mix together, and you can easily make it ahead of time. A little reserved clam juice helps loosen the dip to the exact consistency you prefer, whether you like it thicker for spreading or softer for dipping. After a brief chill, the flavors deepen, and the dip becomes even more irresistible. Serve it with an assortment of crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables, and watch it disappear fast!
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Quick and effortless. Just mix, chill, and serve—no cooking required.
Creamy and full of flavor. Cream cheese balances the briny clams, while lemon and Worcestershire add depth.
Perfect for parties. Makes enough for a crowd and pairs well with a wide variety of dippers.
Ingredient Notes
- Minced clams: Canned minced clams are tender and flavorful; draining and reserving the juice lets you adjust the consistency.
- Cream cheese: Creates the rich, creamy base. Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dip and helps balance the richness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Onion and garlic powders: Provide subtle flavor without overpowering the clams.
- Salt and pepper: Start with the recipe amounts and adjust after chilling.
- Cayenne or Tabasco: Adds a gentle heat that enhances—not overwhelms—the dip.
Steps to Make Clam Dip with Cream Cheese
- Drain the clams in a fine mesh sieve, reserving the clam juice.
- In a mixing bowl, stir or beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the clams, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and a little reserved clam juice to reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Chill the dip for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy with crackers, chips, or vegetables.
Tips for Making Clam Dip
- Chill the dip to allow the flavors to develop fully before serving.
- Add reserved clam juice a teaspoon at a time to avoid thinning the dip too much.
- For extra smoothness, use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese.
- Taste after chilling—salt and lemon often need a small adjustment once the dip sets.
Recipe Variations
- Herb blend version. Add chopped chives, dill, or parsley. These fresh herbs brighten the dip and pair naturally with seafood; fold them in after chilling so they stay vibrant.
- Smoky twist. Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke. A little goes a long way, giving the dip a subtle campfire richness that complements the clams.
- Extra-clammy dip. Use two cans of clams and increase the cream cheese slightly. This boosts the briny flavor and creates a more textured dip.
- Zesty lemon version. Add lemon zest along with the juice for a brighter, sharper flavor. This works especially well when serving the dip with vegetables.
- Spicy upgrade. Increase the cayenne or add finely minced jalapeño. This adds freshness and heat—great for serving alongside tortilla chips.
- Lighter version. Swap half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. It creates a softer texture and tangier flavor while still retaining the dip’s creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with ridged potato chips for a classic retro pairing.
- Add crackers, pretzel thins, or toasted baguette slices for variety.
- Pair with fresh vegetables like celery, cucumbers, and bell pepper strips.
- Choose lemon wedges or chopped chives as a garnish to brighten the presentation.
How to Store Clam Dip
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days. Stir before serving, as the moisture may separate slightly.
Freezing: Not recommended—the texture changes significantly once thawed.
Before serving: Give the dip a quick stir and adjust lemon or salt if needed.
Clam Dip with Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 6.5-ounce can minced clams
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Pinch cayenne pepper or a few drops of Tabasco Sauce
Instructions
- Prep the clams. Place a fine mesh sieve over a small bowl and drain the clams. Reserve the clam juice.
- Make the dip. In another bowl, stir or beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the drained, minced clams and the lemon juice, along with the Worcestershire sauce. Add reserved clam juice a few teaspoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Add the onion and garlic powders, salt, and black and cayenne pepper. Blend thoroughly.
- Chill the clam dip. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve. Transfer the clam dip to a bowl and surround it with crackers, chips, or vegetables for dipping.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
This was good but the 1/4 cup of clam juice was too much. It made it too soupy. Next time I’ll add the clam juice little by little and keep it at a thicker consistency.